Premier League Buildup and Football Association Cup Second Round Latest News plus Additional Coverage

Introduction

Good morning to another Sunday morning. This is your comprehensive matchday coverage hub, centering on the day's key soccer action. The Premier League presents fascinating matches featuring the Seagulls and the Hammers as well as the Cottagers and the Eagles. On top of that, a top-of-the-table Scottish Premiership encounter between Celtic and Hearts, coupled with WSL games plus cup round two excitement rounds out the lineup. Feel free to share your thoughts telling us how you'll be following the action. Without further ado.

Major Stories from Saturday

Mohamed Salah commandeered the spotlight even though he not featuring in the Reds' hectic 3-3 draw at Elland Road. Salah delivered an astonishing attack on manager the Dutch coach, claiming him of throwing him “to the wolves” following omission from the first eleven for the third consecutive game. He expressed that he felt made a scapegoat for the team's disappointing beginning to the campaign.

“It's unbelievable … I am sat on the bench for 90 minutes,” the Egyptian stated. “This is the third match on the bench, perhaps for the first occasion in my professional life. I’m very, very disappointed.”

Another significant Premier League story saw the Gunners' last-gasp loss at Aston Villa, courtesy of by Emi Buendía's winning strike. That result, combined with City's straightforward victory over Sunderland, makes for a incredibly close battle at the top of the standings.

Away from the English leagues, the Argentine maestro once again played the hero for Inter Miami as they triumphed the MLS Cup, defeating Vancouver 3-1 in the final.

Today's Premier League Fixtures

The Seagulls host West Ham in a afternoon kickoff. The visitors have displayed signs of improvement since the appointment of head coach Nuno. A creditable point at Manchester United means he has presided over a run of only one loss in their last five.

Fulham against Crystal Palace is a repeat of last year's FA Cup quarter-final. Crystal Palace are aiming for a fourth straight victory on the road in the league, having defeated three opponents to nil in their recent travels.

The FA Cup Second Round

The FA Cup round two provided plenty of excitement on Saturday. Sixth-tier side Weston-super-Mare made history by reaching the next round for the first time ever.

Other standout outcomes included:

  • Swindon hammered Bolton Wanderers – a league above them – 4-0.
  • Cambridge defeated Stockport on spot-kicks.
  • Non-league Buxton led against Cheltenham Town before finally suffering a 6-2 loss.

Today's FA Cup schedule includes:

  • Slough Town v Macclesfield (12.30pm GMT start)
  • Boreham Wood v Newport County
  • Gateshead v Walsall
  • Blackpool v Carlisle United

The Premier League's Three Tiers

It appears three distinct battlegroups forming in this season's Premier League.

  1. Championship Contenders: The current leading pack are seemingly contending for the top prize.
  2. The Packed Middle: A very tight group includes Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester United, all with aspirations for the European places. Can any put together a winning run to threaten the elite?
  3. The Fight for Survival: The dogfight to avoid the drop likely concerns Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Burnley and West Ham, with Wolves looking especially in trouble. Clubs such as others could also be sucked into the fight.

Other Matches Today

Away from the Premier League and FA Cup, Sunday's schedule feature:

Women's Super League (WSL): (All 12pm GMT unless stated)

  • Leicester City v Manchester City
  • London City Lionesses v Brighton & Hove Albion
  • Manchester United v West Ham United
  • Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa
  • Chelsea v Everton (2.30pm GMT)

Around the Continent:

  • Real Madrid v Celta Vigo (8pm CET)
  • Borussia Dortmund v Hoffenheim (4.30pm CET)

The Salah Debate Continues

The reaction from Mohamed Salah's comments rages on. Opinion is split into two distinct sides to the debate. On one hand, has Salah earned the right to speak out as a true club icon? On the other, is boss Slot right in doing what he believes is necessary to try to win games?

Views from supporters seems divided:

“United fan here. If I’m not mistaken, Salah was the players' player of the year 6 months ago and now he’s chief scapegoat. Not the way to treat a legend of the club.”
“Can we take a moment to feel sorry for Mo Salah? He must have overlooked that he is currently Liverpool's highest ever earning player... A victim, Mo, you are not.”

What next for the Egyptian king, then? Speculation suggests his relationship with the club may now be burned. Will he seek a loan to another European club? Might he take the pay day and head for the Saudi Pro League following the Africa Cup of Nations?

Matches Abandoned

A pair of Championship fixtures were abandoned yesterday.

  • The game between Charlton Athletic and Portsmouth at The Valley was halted in the early stages after a supporter was taken unwell. It was later announced the fan died in hospital.
  • Blackburn's game against Sheffield Wednesday was also paused and abandoned due to a waterlogged playing surface at Ewood Park. Heavy rain – for the second time this season at the ground – made the pitch unsuitable.

There is no word yet on when either game will be replayed.

Tracey Miller
Tracey Miller

A passionate esports journalist with over a decade of experience covering major tournaments and gaming culture.